MYRModel Year Report

2008 Toyota Matrix

▲ Better than typical
2008 Toyota Matrix
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:52:51.945Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
38
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2008

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Vehicle speed control

29% of complaints

Complaints per year

2002: 2 complaints 2002 2003: 268 complaints 2004: 138 complaints 2004 2005: 213 complaints 2006: 170 complaints 2006 2007: 96 complaints 2008: 38 complaints 2008 38 2009: 192 complaints 2010: 45 complaints 2010 2011: 10 complaints 2012: 5 complaints 2012 2013: 0 complaints
2002: 2 complaints 2002 2003: 268 complaints 2003 2004: 138 complaints 2004 2005: 213 complaints 2005 2006: 170 complaints 2006 2007: 96 complaints 2007 2008: 38 complaints 2008 38 2009: 192 complaints 2009 2010: 45 complaints 2010 2011: 10 complaints 2011 2012: 5 complaints 2012 2013: 0 complaints 2013
2002: 2 complaints 2002 2003: 268 complaints 2003 2004: 138 complaints 2004 2005: 213 complaints 2005 2006: 170 complaints 2006 2007: 96 complaints 2007 2008: 38 complaints 2008 38 2009: 192 complaints 2009 2010: 45 complaints 2010 2011: 10 complaints 2011 2012: 5 complaints 2012 2013: 0 complaints 2013

2008: 38 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
20022
2003268
2004138
2005213
2006170
200796
200838
2009192
201045
201110
20125
20130

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Vehicle speed control

29% · 11 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Toyota Matrix. The contact was driving 5 MPH and attempting a left turn into a parking space when the vehicle accelerated unexpectedly and jumped a curb before crashing into a trash bin. The vehicle was not destroyed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-23

Also filed under Air bags

Electrical system

21% · 8 reports
Show complaint excerpts

2008 Toyota Matrix. Consumer writes in regards to Toyota computer safety recall. *ld the consumer stated the dealer had not replaced the ECM, but claimed it was replaced.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-03-03

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Toyota Matrix. When the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle shut off. The contact would have to turn the vehicle off and on in order to drive properly.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-10-26

Also filed under Engine

Air bags

16% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing frontal.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Toyota Matrix. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH when the vehicle in front of the contact made an unexpected stop causing the contact to rear end the vehicle in front.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-04-27

On May 16TH I was rear-ended while stopped at a red light. My 2008 Matrix xr was pushed into the back of a school bus. The force of the impact crumpled the front end of my car, yet the airbag didn't deploy. Should it have?

NHTSA ODI report, 2008-09-08

Service brakes

13% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.

CRASH

Steering

11% · 4 reports

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2010-05-27Equipment10V035000 Gulf States Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire selection and rims." These…

    Remedy: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. Dealers will also correct the owner's manual. The safety…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2010-11-29Engine and engine cooling10V384000 Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles. The engine control module (ECM) for the subject models equipped with the 1ZZ-fe engine and two-wheel drive may…

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the production number of the ECM and replace the ECM if necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. Toyota will mail an interim owner notification the middle of…

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2008 Toyota Matrix — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Vehicle speed control: 11 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 8 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 6 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 10V035000 · Equipment
  • Recall 10V384000 · Engine and engine cooling
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2008 Toyota Matrix reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Toyota Matrix is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Toyota Matrix?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Toyota Matrix have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.